Zenkyo-an Marishiten-do In Kyoto
About the Zenkyo-an Camera
Zenkyo-an is a sub-temple of Kennin-ji, on the Gion side of the Higashiyama district. It is small and easy to walk past, which is part of why it stays quieter than the temples a few minutes away, and the camera is operated by the temple itself.
The hall enshrines Marishiten, a deity of victory and of warding off misfortune. Marishiten is held to ride a boar, and that animal is everywhere here: stone boars flank the entrance instead of the usual lion-dogs, and the votive plaques and charms carry the same motif. Visitors come to pray before examinations, competitions and other contests.
The temple draws its largest crowds at the new year of the boar in the twelve-year cycle, and on the first day of each month. Because it sits inside the Kennin-ji grounds, it pairs naturally with a visit to the main temple and its dragon ceiling.
Highlights & Nearby
- •Watch for: the stone boars at the entrance, worshippers before exams and contests, a quiet corner of Gion
- •Nearby: Kennin-ji, Gion and Hanamikoji, Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera
- •Note: streamed by the temple itself; boars stand at the gate in place of the usual guardian lion-dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zenkyo-an camera live?
Yes. It streams the temple continuously.
Why are there boars instead of lion-dogs?
Marishiten, the deity enshrined here, is held to ride a boar, so stone boars stand at the entrance and the motif runs through the plaques and charms.
What do people pray for here?
Victory and the warding off of misfortune, which in practice means examinations, competitions and contests of other kinds.
Where is Zenkyo-an?
Inside the Kennin-ji precinct on the Gion side of Higashiyama, Kyoto, a short walk from Hanamikoji.
